Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
The Safe Work Australia model code of practice on preventing falls from height at any workplace: duty holders, consultation, training, safe design, hazard identification, the ordered controls (ground or solid construction, fall prevention devices, work positioning, fall arrest, administrative controls), ladders and rescue. Guidance, not law: once a jurisdiction approves it under WHS Act s 274 it is admissible evidence of what is reasonably practicable (s 275).
Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces is a compliance framework from Australia (model for the harmonised WHS jurisdictions: Commonwealth, NSW, Qld, SA, WA, Tas, ACT, NT; not Victoria) with 10 domains and 64 controls that map to 1 other frameworks. The largest domains are Section 5: Fall prevention devices – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (13 controls), Section 7: Fall arrest systems – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (11 controls), Section 3: The risk management process – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (8 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.
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Framework Domains (10)
Section 10: Emergency procedures for falls – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::10.1 | 10.1 Prevent suspension intolerance and train workers for rescue |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::10.2 | 10.2 Train for rescues: immediate start, frequency set by competence, no risk to rescuers |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::10a | 10 Establish and test emergency and rescue procedures where fall arrest is used (r 80) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::10b | 10 Provide first aid equipment, facilities and trained first aiders (r 42) |
Section 1: Duty holders, consultation and training – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::1.1 | 1.1 Identify every duty holder for fall risks and their overlapping duties |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::1.2a | 1.2 Consult workers who are affected by fall hazards |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::1.2b | 1.2 Consult, cooperate and coordinate with other duty holders on fall risks |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::1.3a | 1.3 Provide information, training, instruction and supervision for work at height |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::1.3b | 1.3 Construction workers hold general construction induction training |
Section 2: Designers of plant and structures – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::2.1 | 2.1 Eliminate or minimise fall risks at the design stage |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::2.2 | 2.2 Design plant so it can be accessed, maintained and cleaned without falls |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::2.3a | 2.3 Buildings and structures: design out work at height and pass on residual risk information |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::2.3b | 2.3 Plan for building maintenance and site layout |
Section 3: The risk management process – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::3.1 | 3.1 Use risk assessment where it helps decide fall controls |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::3.2 | 3.2 Identify all fall hazards, including access and exit |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::3.3 | 3.3 Assess fall risks against the listed factors, and keep generic assessments current |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::3.4a | 3.4 Manage fall risk: work on the ground or a solid construction and provide safe access and exit (r 78) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::3.4b | 3.4 Minimise remaining fall risk through the ordered controls (r 79) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::3.4c | 3.4 Combine controls where one is not enough, without creating new hazards |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::3.4d | 3.4 Maintain fall controls through procedures and a planned inspection program (r 37) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::3.4e | 3.4 Review and revise fall controls when triggered (r 38) |
Section 4: Work on the ground or on a solid construction – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::4.1 | 4.1 Do the work on the ground wherever reasonably practicable |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::4.2a | 4.2 Solid construction: load capacity and perimeter barriers |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::4.2b | 4.2 Protect holes, penetrations and openings immediately with secure, marked covers |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::4.2c | 4.2 Keep solid construction surfaces non-slip and within safe gradients; secure grid mesh flooring |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::4.2d | 4.2 Provide safe entry and exit to and around the solid construction |
Section 5: Fall prevention devices – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1a | 5.1 Scaffolds: completion confirmation, inspections and securing incomplete scaffolds (r 225) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1b | 5.1 Scaffolds: erection by licensed people, standards, edge protection and worker instruction |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1c | 5.1 Suspended (swing stage) scaffolds |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1d | 5.1 Elevating work platforms: hazards, safe use, harness anchorage and licensing |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1e | 5.1 Mast climbing work platforms: licensed erection and dismantling |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1f | 5.1 Workboxes and work platforms on cranes, hoists and forklifts: general precautions |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1g | 5.1 Crane-suspended workboxes: registered design and safe use |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1h | 5.1 Forklift-supported work platforms |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1i | 5.1 Building maintenance units |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.1j | 5.1 Trestle ladder scaffolds: height limits, platform width and safe assembly |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.2a | 5.2 Perimeter guardrails at edges, openings and on plant |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.2b | 5.2 Guardrails or set-back barriers for trenches |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::5.3 | 5.3 Roof safety mesh: specification, installation and use with edge protection |
Section 6: Work positioning systems – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::6 | 6 Work positioning systems: only after higher controls, with competent and fit users |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::6.1 | 6.1 Restraint technique: set so the wearer cannot reach an unprotected edge |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::6.2 | 6.2 Industrial rope access: risk assessment, SWMS, supervision and back-up systems |
Section 7: Fall arrest systems – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7 | 7 Fall arrest systems: last in order, correctly selected, rated and installed |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.1 | 7.1 Catch platforms |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.2 | 7.2 Safety nets |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.3a | 7.3 Individual fall arrest systems: trained users, helmets, post-fall certification and marking |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.3b | 7.3 Anchorage points: rated, tested and positioned for connection before exposure |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.3c | 7.3 Inspect fall arrest components after installation, periodically and after a fall |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.3d | 7.3 Limit free fall and total fall distance; fit harnesses and reels correctly |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.3e | 7.3 Use compatible connectors to prevent roll-out |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.3f | 7.3 Plan prompt rescue and control swing down and swing back |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.4 | 7.4 Vertical anchorage lines or rails on ladders and towers |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::7.5 | 7.5 Double lanyards: correct use and limits |
Section 8: Administrative controls – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::8 | 8 Administrative controls: support only, never alone where higher controls are practicable |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::8.1 | 8.1 No go areas with signs, barriers and supervision |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::8.2 | 8.2 Permit systems restricting access to trained people |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::8.3 | 8.3 Organise and sequence work to limit exposure |
Section 9: Ladders – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::9 | 9 Use ladders only after safer alternatives are ruled out |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::9.1a | 9.1 Select portable ladders suited to the task and rated for industrial use |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::9.1b | 9.1 Train ladder users; inspect, set up and secure ladders before use |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::9.1c | 9.1 Use ladders safely: three points of contact and the listed prohibitions |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::9.1d | 9.1 Single or extension ladders used for access: secured, extended and protected at the step-off |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::9.2 | 9.2 Fixed ladders: angle, fall arrest above 75 degrees and rescue in cages |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-the-risk-of-falls-at-workplaces::9.3 | 9.3 Inspect and maintain ladders; repair or replace faulty ones |
Maps to 1 other framework
Coverage is not the same as your position
This page shows what Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces overlaps with in general. Where your organisation actually stands, against the standard you are going for and the certifications you already hold, is a different question. Same graph and the same recorded refutations, scoped to you rather than to a pair.
The Compliance Position Diagnostic, $5,000 fixed, ten business daysWhat is Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces and who does it apply to?
Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces is a compliance framework from Australia (model for the harmonised WHS jurisdictions: Commonwealth, NSW, Qld, SA, WA, Tas, ACT, NT; not Victoria) with 10 domains and 64 controls. The Safe Work Australia model code of practice on preventing falls from height at any workplace: duty holders, consultation, training, safe design, hazard identification, the ordered controls (ground or solid construction, fall prevention devices, work positioning, fall arrest, administrative controls), ladders and rescue. Guidance, not law: once a jurisdiction approves it under WHS Act s 274 it is admissible evidence of what is reasonably practicable (s 275). It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
What does Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces actually require?
Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces has 64 controls organised across 10 domains. The largest domains are Section 5: Fall prevention devices – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (13 controls), Section 7: Fall arrest systems – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (11 controls), Section 3: The risk management process – Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces (8 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
If I already comply with another framework, how much of Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces do I already cover?
Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces maps to 1 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are ISO 45001:2018 (31% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I implement Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces?
Start your Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about Australia Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 64 controls and track your progress.
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